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Story Goal, Story Question, and the Protagonist’s Inner Need (Story Structure Part 1)

July 13, 2019 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

This is the first article in a series exploring the elements of story structure. Part 1 looks beyond the topics of three-act and mythic structure to a review of the story goal (concern of the protagonist), the story question (concern of the reader), and the protagonist’s inner need.

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Characters Asking Questions

December 31, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Search your stories for text or practices that leach the power out of your characters’ declarations. A consideration of question tags.

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Showing and Telling Particulars

October 29, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Explore situations when telling rather than showing might be beneficial. Explore too the different types of showing in fiction.

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Parse Writing Advice

September 20, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Even the best writing advice might not work for every circumstance. Remind yourself that some advice won’t fit your story or a particular circumstance.

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Plain Doesn’t Mean Boring

August 11, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

When plain words work, use them. Don’t feel that you must use fancy words to elevate your fiction. Choose words that make your story feel real rather than pretentious.

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When Characters are Affected by Events

June 2, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Major characters grow and change. Have you remembered to show the ways in which your characters are changed by what happens to them?

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Be Bold and Assertive

March 4, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Don’t apologize for your characters or try to hide or downplay the kind of people they are. Write characters and story events without hesitation.

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Restraining Accents

January 23, 2017 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

Rather than try to spell an accent, use other options for letting readers know that a character has an accent.

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The Story Question is Vital

October 15, 2016 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

The story problem and the story question are vital components of any fiction. A discussion of the importance of the story question for readers.

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Questions About Deep POV

August 23, 2016 by Fiction Editor Beth Hill

A blog reader asks specific questions about deep POV.

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